Ro Mueller

The Timber Rattlers are down 3-1 in their series at home against South Bend, so need LHP Brandon Knarr (1.34 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 10.7 K/9 in 40 1/3 innings) to come through with another terrific performance today. OF Carlos D. Rodriguez has started heating up (11-for-last-33; .905 OPS over last 40 plate appearances):

Carolina comes back from a 4-run deficit with 2 outs in the 9th to win on a Hendry Mendez walk-off grand slam. Biloxi also battles to steal a 4-3 win. Nashville’s pitchers combined on a 5-hit, 4-0 shutout victory. Wisconsin’s bats never got going in a 6-2 loss. Image courtesy of Introductory blurb to display on front page. Carolina comes back from a 4-run deficit with 2 outs in the 9th to win on a Hendry Mendez walk-off grand slam. Biloxi also battles to steal a 4-3 win. Nashville’s pitchers combined on a 5-hit, 4-0 shutout victory. Wisconsin’s bats never got going in a 6-2 loss. The Friday night rollercoaster twisted and turned in all directions: All 4 full season affiliates appeared in decent position to win in the early innings, with Nashville up 1-0, RHP Victor Castaneda retiring the first 9 batters he faced for Biloxi, Wes Clarke matching homer-for-homer to knot Wisconsin’s game 1-1 and Carolina tying up their contest at 2-2 in the 5th inning A few innings later, Nashville held the only lead, but reliever Peter Strzelecki was facing a bases loaded jam in that contest, putting the entire night in jeopardy. But Strzelecki escaped the jam and Cam Devanney came through for Biloxi with an 8th-inning, 2-out, 2-run game-tying homer, thus opening the door to a 2-2 night for our young heroes Then in a script which Hollywood studios would have written off as too farcical, Carolina battled back from the literal brink of defeat. Down 6-2 with 2 outs, 2 strikes and nobody on base in the 9th inning, it started with a Jheremy Vargas single and ended five batters later with a Hendry Mendez Walk-Off Grand Slam for an 8-6 victory And finally, Jakson Reetz smacked a 2-out, 9th inning RBI single to give Biloxi its first lead of the game, with the team holding on to a satisfying 4-3 fight-back victory In all, our affiliates went 3 and 1 on the most entertaining night we’ve seen in a while. Well done, Brewer minor leaguers!! Friday’s Game Balls go to the aforementioned Mendez, Reetz, Devanney, Castaneda and Jason Alexander. Transactions: None Game Action: Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 8, Down East 6 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Mendez Caps Comeback With Walk-Off Grand Slam Although they had battled hard and seemed a bit unlucky to be down 6-2 heading into the 9th inning, this game certainly looked lost as the first two Mudcats struck out in the bottom of the 9th and Jheremy Vargas was down to his final strike in a 1-2 count. But let’s take it back to the beginning, where starter RHP Jefferson Figueroa was solid if not spectacular in covering the first 3 innings of the game, conceding an RBI double as the Wood Ducks took a 1-0 lead. RHP Miguel Segura relieved from the 4th inning and is apparently still amongst the “innings eaters” for the squad as he threw 74 pitches to take the game into the 8th inning. After giving up a 5th inning RBI single, the Mudcat offense answered with 2 runs on 3 doubles (by Hedbert Perez, Vargas and Zack Raabe) to knot the game at 2-2. Segura gave up a homer to open the 6th inning as Down East re-took the lead at 3-2, but continued without damage until issuing a full count walk and 1-out single in the 8th inning and giving way to usually-dominant RHP Michele Vassalotti. Unfortunately, Mr. Vassalotti was not sharp on this night, hitting the first batter and walking in a run. The team nearly escaped only down 4-2, but two more runs scored on a fielding error by first baseman Jesus Chirinos, setting the stage for the nearly-unfathomable comeback. The young men of Zebulon simply refused to lose, starting with Jheremy Vargas working the count full before lining a single the other way. Raabe followed with an RBI double, before Arbert Cipion walked to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate in the person of SS Eduardo Garcia. 0-for-4 to this point but undaunted nonetheless, Garcia lined an RBI single to center field before Down East brought in a new pitcher to face the youngest man in Low-A ball, Jackson Chourio. Fortunately, fresh pitcher Jackson Leath threw the ball away to allow Chourio aboard. Now down only 6-4, with the bases loaded and still 2 outs (yes, this was ALL happening with 2 outs), left-handed youngin' Hendry Mendez stepped to the plate and smashed the first pitch he saw the other way, down the left field line for a Walk-Off Grand Slam! What an unforgettable win for Victor Estevez' team!! Performances of Note: Hendry Mendez – 2-3, HR, 2 BBs, 4 RBIs Jheremy Vargas – 2-3, double, BB, RBI Zack Raabe – 2-4, double, 2 RBIs Arbert Cipion – 1-4, double, BB Hedbert Perez – 1-4, double Eduardo Garcia – 1-5, RBI Jefferson Figueroa – 3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BBs, 3 Ks Miguel Segura – 4 1/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 4 H, 3 BBs, 1 balk, 4 Ks Junior Montero (Win) – 1 IP, 0 R, 2 BBs, 1 K Saturday’s outlook: Electric RHP Stiven Cruz (0.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, 24.0 K/9 in 3 innings) is slated to make his 2nd start of the season, as the Mudcats seek to clinch a series victory at home against Down East. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: South Bend 6, Wisconsin 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: South Bend Hits Three Homers to Get By Wisconsin A reminder of the excellent video recaps produced by the Timber Rattler media team: The game marked the return of LHP Russell Smith after a 13-day absence and he competed well through the first 3 innings. The teams exchanged 2nd inning solo homers, with Wes Clarke knotting it at 1-1 for his 4th home run of 2022. However, a leadoff 4th inning error, then first pitch single apparently rattled Smith, who then yielded a 3-run blast and a single before retiring his final 3 batters. Down 4-1 at that point, the Timber Rattlers only managed to put 2 runners on base from the 4th through 8th innings. RHP Joey Matulovich worked around two 5th inning singles to strike out 3 hitters, then RHP Max Lazar threw a clean 6th before a 2-run shot in the 7th inning appeared to put the game out of reach at 6-1. (Bright side: These were the only runs surrendered by Lazar over 4 innings.) Wisconsin did manage 1 run on 3 singles (Carlos D. Rodriguez RBI) in the 9th inning to put the potential game-tying run on deck, but that's as close as they got. In the Darrien Miller defense watch, Miller threw out 1 of 4 base stealers. Performances of Note: Carlos D. Rodriguez – 2-3, double, BB, RBI Wes Clarke – 2-4, HR, RBI Tristan Peters – 2-4, SB Ethan Murray – 1-3, SB Russell Smith (Loss) – 4 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 5 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks Joey Matulovich – 1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks Max Lazar – 4 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 0 Ks Saturday’s outlook: Exceptional LHP Brandon Knarr (1.34 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 10.7 K/9 in 40 1/3 innings) is the scheduled starter, ready to snap Wisconsin’s 3-game skid at home against South Bend. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 4, Mississippi 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Reetz Ninth-Inning Single Lifts Shuckers to 4-3 Victory In a reversal of fortune from Thursday night's contest between these teams, it was Biloxi which came from behind late to grab a victory over Mississippi this night. The first 5 innings were a story of frustration, as the Shuckers stranded 6 runners without scoring. By contrast, the Braves cashed in on their very first opportunity with two 4th inning doubles, after RHP Victor Castaneda retired all 9 batters through 3 innings. Power Hitter (and apparently left fielder these past 2 games) Jakson Reetz blasted his 10th home run of 2022 to tie it back up at 1-1 in the 6th inning before Mississippi answered right with a 2-run shot for a 3-1 lead. The frustration continued in the 7th inning, with Cam Devanney, Yeison Coca and Joey Wiemer left stranded despite a double, walk and single respectively, done in by left fielder Jalen Miller’s incredible catch of Thomas Dillard’s fly ball at the wall which would have scored 3 runs against any ordinary being. Coming up again with 1-on (Reetz, via walk) and 2-out in the 8th inning, Devanney decided to take matters fully into his hands, driving a 2-run shot (his 5th of the year) to left to knot the score at 3-3. Stud reliever RHP Harold Chirino retired all 6 hitters he faced in the 7th and 8th innings to keep Biloxi squarely in it. Who would play hero in the 9th? Well, Mr. Reetz of course, knocking a 2-out, RBI single into center field to plate Felix Valerio, who'd reached via error and stolen 2nd base to get into scoring position. Zach Vennaro then closed the game out without drama with a 3-up, 3-down save of Biloxi's 4-3 win. Performances of Note: Jakson Reetz – 2-4, HR, BB, 2 RBIs Cam Devanney – 2-4, HR, double, 2 RBIs Tristen Lutz – 2-5 Gabe Holt – 2-5 Victor Castaneda – 6 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks Harold Chirino (Win) – 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks Zach Vennaro (Save) – 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K Saturday’s outlook: Experienced RHP Noah Zavolas (2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 3 1/3 innings) is ready to make his 2nd start of the 2022 season, with Biloxi aiming to take a 3-2 series lead on the road against the Mississippi Braves. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 4, Louisville 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details: Sounds Shut Out Bats at First Horizon Park Don't be fooled by the scoreline as this game was much more competitive than a 4-0 Nashville victory suggests. After the Sounds stranded two runners in the 2nd inning, Andruw Monasterio (double) and Brice Turang (RBI single) combined on the game's first run in the 3rd inning. From that point, it was the RHP Jason Alexander Magic Show, escaping: 1st and 3rd nobody out in the 4th inning (fly out, double play grounder) 1st and 3rd nobody out in the 5th inning (and bases loaded 1 out) via a strikeout and double play grounder Clinging to that 1-0 lead, Monasterio (bunt single) and Turang (RBI single) also teamed up to double the lead in the 5th inning, before Tyler White connected on his 6th home run of 2022 for a 4-0 Sounds lead. However, RHP Peter Strzelecki continued the drama in the 6th inning by walking two after a single with 1 out. He struck out the next batter before running the count full and being bailed out by C Alex Jackson picking the runner off first base for the 3rd out, triggering an eruption and ejection for Bats' manager Pat Kelly. The bullpen combo of RHPs Miguel Sanchez, Matt Hardy and Connor Sadzeck calmed the waters from there, facing the minimum 9 batters over the final 3 innings. Mario Feliciano continues to re-assert his prospect status, raising his average to .293 with his 6-game hitting streak. Here are a few more Nashville-Louisville highlights from the night: Performances of Note: Tyler White – 2-4, HR, 2 RBIs Brice Turang – 2-4, 2 RBIs, SB Mark Mathias – 2-3, BB Pablo Reyes – 2-4 Andruw Monasterio – 2-4 Mario Feliciano – 1-3, BB, SB Jason Alexander (Win) – 5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BBs, 1 HBP, 5 Ks Peter Strzelecki – 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BBs, 2 Ks Miguel Sanchez – 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks Matt Hardy – 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K Connor Sadzeck – 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks Saturday’s outlook: RHP Josh Lindblom (2.58 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 in 38 1/3 innings) looks to continue his domination of AAA and lead Nashville to a 4-1 series lead at home against Louisville. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Let’s keep up the winning over the weekend! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

Near. Far. Wherever You Are... Here's Mendez' walk-off grand slam:

RHP Zach Vennaro has closed out the come-from-behind victory for Biloxi with a 3-up, 3-down 9th inning to steal this one 4-3. This night has very nicely turned on its head, as Carolina and Biloxi both come back to grab unlikely wins.

What an ending to that one. Carolina was down 6-2 with 2 outs and nobody on base in the bottom of the 9th inning, with Jheremy Vargas in a 1-2 count. Vargas eventually worked the count full and punched a single to opposite field to start the rally. Five batters later, Hendry Mendez ends the affair by blasting a pitch the other way, up and outta here for an 8-6 win!

Madness in Zebulon. Chourio reaches on a throwing error by the new pitcher to load the bases. Enter Hendry Mendez, who crushes the first pitch he sees over the wall in left field for a WALK OFF GRAND SLAM. The Mudcats have done it, scoring 6 runs in the 9th inning to win 8-6. All the damage came with 2 outs!!!!!!!!!

Jakson Reetz comes through yet again, with his 2-out single to center field scoring Valerio. The Shuckers have a 4-3 lead in the top of the 9th inning!

This led to the ejection of Louisville's manager Pat Kelly, who's probably late for a Friday night flick.

Garcia singles one run home to cut it to 6-4 and Down East will make a pitching change with 2-on, 2-out in the bottom of the 9th inning. My oh my. Jackson Chourio is at the plate. Meanwhile, Felix Valerio has reached via error and stolen 2nd base with 1 out in the top of the 9th inning of Biloxi's 3-3 contest.

The Sounds escaped that 6th inning jam, this time via a strike out and then C Alex Jackson picking off a runner off 1st base. Keep it up Nashville.

Carolina puts 1 run across on a Zack Raabe double to score Jheremy Vargas in the bottom of the 9th inning to bring it to 6-3. Now Eduardo Garcia is up with 2-on, 2-out, representing the potential game-tying run.

RHP Peter Strzelecki has come into the game in Nashville in the 6th inning and found some trouble for himself. The bases are loaded with 1-out, Nashville still leading 4-0. Meanwhile, Carolina trails 6-2 as they come up in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Mike Guerrero's men do not give up. Cam Devanney comes through with a 2-out, 2-run homer in the top of the 8th inning to tie things up at 3-3. Let's goooooooo Shuckers!!!!!! That's Devanney's 5th of the season. Woo hoo!

RHP Max Lazar gives up a 2-run shot in Appleton in the 7th inning, so the Timber Rattlers are now down 6-1. Given how lethargic the home bats have been, I hate to say it...

Tyler White continues to re-discover his early season form, this time bashing a 2-run homer, his 6th of the year. Nashville leads 4-0 in the 5th inning. Biloxi left all those runners on base, so they've now stranded 9 through 7 innings and still trail 3-1. By contrast, Mississippi has only stranded 3 baserunners thus far.

A little small ball in Nashville pays off in the 5th inning, with Andruw Monasterio reaching on a bunt single, moving to second base on a passed ball and scoring on Brice Turang's second hit of the night. The Sounds are up 2-0.

Down East push 3 runs across in the top of the 8th inning in Zebulon and now lead Carolina 6-2. The runs scored via a bases loaded walk and a 2-run error. Ugh. In more hopeful news, Biloxi has the bases loaded with one out in the top of the 7th inning, still down 3-1.

A single and home run have given Mississippi a 3-1 lead over Biloxi in the 6th inning, slightly marring Mr. Castaneda's solid work to this point. Magician Alexander escapes yet another 2-on, nobody out (and bases loaded, 1-out) situation, this time in the 5th inning. Nashville sure could use some breathing room, hanging on to its 1-0 lead.

The Shuckers' Jakson Reetz has his 10th(!) home run of 2022 on the first pitch he sees in the 6th inning. It's 1-1 in Pearl, Mississippi.

Biloxi strands 2 more runners in the 5th inning and continue to trail 1-0. Where’s the power from last night? Mark Mathias is a hit machine for Nashville, with 2 more through 4 innings raising his average to .357 (.986 OPS).

The Cubs have gotten to LHP Russell Smith in the 4th inning, with 3 hits and an error putting 3 more runs across. It’s 4-1 in favor of South Bend. Jason Alexander masterfully escaped a 2-on, nobody out 4th inning to keep Nashville ahead 1-0. A 2nd Down East home run puts them back in front of Carolina 3-2 in the 6th inning.

Mississippi collects their first hits of the game off Victor Castaneda in the 4th inning, with 2 doubles giving them a 1-0 lead.

Nashville takes a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning via a Brice Turang single which scores Andruw Monasterio (who’d doubled).

OF Tristen Lutz has two more hits for Biloxi, but they’ve stranded 4 through 4 innings. 0-0 thus far. The Mudcats have grabbed those 2 runs back on 5th inning doubles by Herbert Perez, Jheremy Vargas and Zack Raabe. 2-2 now.